The artwork, “Vera Cuningham in a Chair”, created by Matthew Smith in 1926, belongs to the Fauvism and Expressionism art movements. This portrait features bold, vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, which characterizes the emotive and expressive qualities of the genres to which it belongs.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted seated in a chair, dressed in a brightly colored outfit with a predominance of red and yellow hues. Her attire appears loose and flowing, accentuated by the bold, broad strokes of the brush. The background is dark, which further enhances the vividness of her clothing. The expression on her face is contemplative, and the abstract presentation of her form, coupled with the intense color contrasts, imparts a sense of drama and intensity. The use of light and shadow, combined with the rich texture created by the impasto technique, adds depth and dimension to the portrait, embodying the stylistic essence of both Fauvism and Expressionism.